Liverpool still expect Real Madrid to win the race for Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni this summer.
The Reds had identified the France international as a potential summer transfer target after assessing the makeup of their midfield department for the long term under Jurgen Klopp, who is now contracted at Anfield until 2026.
With the likes of James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara all in their 30s, club insiders have been looking at the possibility of a marquee midfield addition at some stage over the next 12 months or so.
